The Kirking of the Council is always held on the second Sunday of September and is the oldest event in our city's events and festivals calendar going back over 400 years. This year's procession was led by the Royal British Legion Scotland (Inverness Branch) pipes and drums and the City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band and joining Provost Helen Carmichael were staff and Members of The Highland Council, guests from the University of the Highlands and Islands and representatives of a number of community groups and schools and the Emergency Services. Guests of Honour at this year's event was the Mayor of Inverness’s twin town, St Valery en Caux, France, Mme Dominique Chauvel, and her deputy.The Kirking Service was led by Reverend Peter Nimmo, Minister of Old High St Stephen’s Church. The combined choirs of the Old High and St Stephens sang at the event; with Pam McCulloch (the Choir Director at St Stephen’s) conducting; and Robin Versteeg (Choir Director of the Old High) organist for the service.

During the service, thanks were given on the 70th anniversary of the National Health Service. Inverness is home to Raigmore Hospital, and the Health Service is one of the city’s largest employers. In his sermon, the Rev Peter Nimmo saod, “We should cherish the health service. It is a fine example of ‘solidarity’, in which wider society helps look after those unable to help themselves’.